Ben Nelson All Alone In Quest To Block Health Care Reform

Sen. Ben Nelson announced at the beginning of this month that he opposed the creation of a public health care plan that people would have the option to buy into. He'd be gathering together a coalition of like-minded senators to oppose the plan, the conservative Democrat from Nebraska promised.

More than two weeks later, it's still a coalition of one.

Since Nelson's announcement, eight moderate Democrats and one Republican have told the Huffington Post that they are open to a public health care option. Two others, Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Jim Webb (D-Va.), have signed on to the idea.

Last week, Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) said they were open to a public plan but undecided. Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Penn.) said much the same in a letter to the advocacy group Health Care for America Now,

Add more names to the list of those open to a public option: Jon Tester (Mont.), Blanche Lincoln (Ark.), Kay Hagan (N.C.) and Maria Cantwell (Wash.).

Because Democratic leaders have said they are willing to pass health care reform with a simple majority -- rather than the 60 votes needed for most Senate business -- fewer centrist senators are needed.

Those centrists are not entirely convinced, but they're not closed off to the idea.

"The devil's in the detail on all this stuff. My key is accessibility and affordability. Those are the two things, but I think everything should be on the table," said Tester.

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"I've been on Sen. Wyden's bill because I believe in a bipartisan discussion about how we can make reforms," said Cantwell, referring to Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), whose bipartisan bill does not include a public option.

Cantwell hopes for a bipartisan deal, but is open to the kind of public option compromise Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) has proposed. "I don't want to sign off on his proposal, but in general I'm not opposed to the concept of having a plan like that," she said.

"It's something that I'm still looking into right now," said Hagan. "I want to be sure we have affordability and accessibility, but I also want to be sure that competition's in play and that our insurers can continue to do business... I need to go back and actually research it."

"We're looking at that option to see if it's going to be competitive and, you know, if it's going to be productive. I'm still open minded," said Lincoln.

A Nelson spokesman said that Nelson is still talking to like-minded colleagues in hopes of building a coalition opposed to the public plan.

The following 21 Democratic senators have signed onto a letter to finance committee chair Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and health committee chair Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.). Kennedy supports a public option; Baucus is open to one.

Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
John D. (Jay) Rockefeller (D-WV)
Dick Durbin (D-IL)
Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)
Tom Harkin (D-IA)
Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI)
Carl Levin (D-MI)
Jack Reed (D-RI)
Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
Bob Casey (D-PA)
Jim Webb (D-VA)
Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Ted Kaufman (D-DE)
Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI)
Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD)
Russ Feingold (D-WI)
Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD)
Claire McCaskill (D-MO)

Note to flaks: If your boss supports a public option and isn't on this list, let me know at [e-mail].

Comments

[VivaZapata]

Is there a valid argument for leaving health care crippled? tens of millions uncovered; hundreds of millions undercovered; people choosing food over medicine or visa versa? Shame on anyone not supporting universal, single taxpayer coverage. it would be a boon to industry and provide a basic human right. even some third world countries have it. the US government officials must stop lapdogging for pharmaceutical, medical and insurance industry gangsters.

[Tommol]

Hmmmm.. I must have missed it, in what section of the constitution or bill of rights was the right to health care in..... **digging out copy of each to reread**

[patricksmom]

Well Tom,
You know I imagine that was covered in rights in the bill of rights in general related to public welfare, but don't squint your piggish little eyes to try to find it.

[jonbw]

Right to LIFE, liberty, the pursuit of happiness

Its hard to have life or happiness if you are dying from a illness you can't afford to treat

[boophus]

Wherever the majority of VOTERs want it guaranteed. The constitution is a living document that can be altered so that social security recipients and the elderly are not the only ones covered by the majority. What can not be done to that living document without killing it is ignoring, circumventing it or gutting it as republicans have for decades.

Amazing how these little minded rigid right wingers who probably can't get a word in edgewise on conservative blogs repeating the talking head nonsense they love come over here trying to insult us in to agreeing. Yeah right and all those people selling religion at my door works too. No good arguments just silliness and paranoia and hate and lies.

You must be benefitting from the insurance companies making a PROFIT by denying benefits (that are paid for), making it more expensive to keep thier profits and salaries rising, and just plain keeping a majority with NO coverage at all ... in the name of the all mighty buck you worship.

Or perhaps you are over 65 and on medicare and afraid that maybe others will get what you have. I call this stomping the hands of those below you on the ladder.

If we can't afford a single payer system like Canada then I truly think No one should get any tax payer supported coverage including Senators, Congressmen and Presidents­... No Seniors, no military, no government employess.

[escribacat]

Do you think we have a right to police protection or fire protection? How about roads and bridges? How about a high school education? Are those in the Constitution or Bill of Rights?

[DarkandStormyNight]

You're literalistic, absolute interpretation of the Bill of Rights is just to precious. Have you ever heard the constitution referred to as an evolving document? That means we get to grow as a society and so do our legal documents. How does a society guarantee the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness if millions of Americans are getting sick and loosing everything they have?

[judyc]

a boon to industry? in what way?

[VivaZapata]

industry will be off the hook in terms of paying for healthcare and small businesses, which the right wing claims to care about so much, will be able to compete with larger ones by having employees covered. the talent pool would then be on a more level playing field in terms of hiring.

[Skepticat]

Back in the 1870's political cartoonist Thomast Nast (creator of the GOP elephant and
democratic donkey icons) sometimes drew congress critters resembling locomotives or suits with money bags instead of heads to show whom they really represented. There were always big business interests that can buy the vote of politicians - still are. However, once you know who the captive politicians are you don't have to re-elect them. Throw the bums out.

[mike42nola]

I think that they are all "captive politicians" and should all be thrown out of office. Do you really think that President Obama isn't beholden to financial institutions, insurance companies and pharmaceuticals after taking over $50,000,000 from them as campaign contributions? None are better than the others. Some may be mine and some may be yours but they are all crooks.

[Tommol]

back to term limits and tax payer paid campaigns

[Thinkprogressive]

I agree with you in part, but its pretty unfair to say that none are better than others... you are kidding yourself if you think that there are zero honest politicians who legitimately care about helping people.

[karela]

You know that all that election campaign money paid to elected representatives only works for them if we aren't paying attention. A lot of what happened to the country lies at our doors too. We were asleep on the job. I was asleep on the job. A lot of us were. We elect them and then forget them without checking up on what they're doing and basing our future votes as well as our letters, emails and phone calls to them on their behavior and performance. They're looking for job permanence without going to jail. They won't get that from campaign contributions from big business if we're paying attention and tell our friends what's going on. Secrecy worked for them. Transparency won't. And there are some who genuinely do love the country and try to do what's best for it. A little gratitude wouldn't hurt when it's earned. Kids, dogs, spouses and Congress runs better on praise and gratitude for a job well done than we do on endless, angry and often unfounded accusations of corruption. How about we keep track and expose the ones who have it coming. And say thanks to the ones who have it coming. There will be a few.

[TheHandyman]

Ah, someone who has learned what a good and working Democracy demands in order to remain a Democracy, an engaged populace! Even tho ours is not a true Democracy but rather a Republic or Representative democracy, the People have an obligation to know what their representatives are up to and hold them accountable. In other countries People protest both peacefully and violently. They are willing to put their lives on the line and often pay that price. In America when we get upset we email each other! How effective is that? The Lesson of Kent State, sometimes violence and death are the only way to get the power elite to pay attention. Remember, the People should not be in fear of their Government, but rather the Government should be in fear of the People!

[Tom Payned]

If the Rethugs really beleive in "putting more money in your pockets" they should offer the tax payer the same healthcare plans they have.

My wife & I pay between us $1200 a month for "coverage" not including co-pays. For profit health care is just that, FOR PROFIT.

It's estimated that 25 to 35% of private plans go to "administration costs" Medicare, 1 to 3%.

Taking the lowest admin costs of private versus Medicare's highest our monthly would be $936.00, a $264 savings. That is $3,168 a year.

Nobody, Dem or Rethug has ever campaigned on a platform what would put that much money in our pockets each year.

Talk about a stimulus. We could afford to go out to dinner a couple nights per month, take in a movie, upgrade some of our old appliances for more energy efficient ones. Heck, we might even afford to have an occasional long weekend somewhere.

[Tommol]

For what it is worth, my mom recently switched from private health insurance to Medicare. She thought it would save her money/be better/whatever. She is a Dem who lives in NY. She told me it is the biggest mistake she ever made.
The present system may need fixing, but the government run medicare is out of money in I think 7 years. Have you ever gone to anything the government runs and thought, wow, this works pretty well?? We all know the stereo-typical govenment employment care nothing about you type people we see at government run institutions. And not to knock anyone, but the post office, motor vehicle come to mind real quick. Just think of going to the post office or motor vehicle and having that type of experience getting your health care.
Just think...

[flymic]

Your point is asinine.

1) The Marines fall under the DOD which is run by the Government. What are you saying about the Marines?

2) It doesn't have to be all Government, thats why its call a Public OPTION. Private Enterprise and Public Business can Co-exist. Look at the Postal Service: You have USPS, FedEx, UPS etc.

[TheHandyman]

Yes, I agree, asinine! The post office works better than any of the competing companies and they do it cheaper. I have nothing but respect for the people who work in the organizations you mentioned and they too are more efficent than their private counterparts. Most of the "bad" things are nothing more than urban myths. You say your mother is disappointed but you fail to mention one thing that twas the cause of that disappointment. People like you want smaller government, you want funding cut to programs you don't like and yet you want Governement to do more for you. In case you haven't figured this out it that won't work!

[Beth Borzone - Huffpost Blogger]

Quite frankly, I get great service from my local post office. I get letters from across the country in two days and within the state in one day. I think they do a great job.

[patricksmom]

You should take your own advice and think before you write such drivel.

[swift goat pet for truth]

Interesting they are talking about just the opposite: NO public option (which presumably would be Medicare for all).

I would take Medicare for all in a heartbeat and not look at any other plan.

GOPers - and Nelson - are saying this is a unfair competition, ignoring, of course, their own free for life health care.

Yeah, lets INTRODUCE inefficiency into our healthcare.

BTW, one area where government is WAY more efficient than private sector IS healthcare.

[getcaption]

What about the real That One from Indiana? Has he said anything about it? i predict he will be pulling one of his blue dog stunts on health care.

[swift goat pet for truth]

Do you know anything about democracy?

[zendem1]

Ben, like Limbaugh has a large tumor in his behind. Oh wait, it's his head.

[manicore]

Let this be a warning to all the other Dems. who feel Arrogant enough to
ignore the will of the American People. If you vote against the will of
the American people than they will vote against you.
As for Nelson he Probably wont be Re-Elected or one can only Hope.

[Changeizgood]

Let's watch him waste his corporate donations. He's on the Blue Tsunami's "get out" list.

There are others and We the People are watching them all, even the new ones. Sometimes they get donations from Pharma and healthcare lobbyist. I saw some right after the election.

They really think we will sleep on this. Well, the American People have many miles to go, before we can go to our graves in peace.

WE WILL NOT LEAVE THIS MENAGE TROIS OF BS, RIDE ON OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN, FORMER SENATOR NELSON!!

All you Dems are on your last legs and this is your last chance, or it's Nader and Green Candidates for the next two election District by district.

[TheHandyman]

You know, people like you keep saying these things but then how do you explain people like Hatch, Specter, Bachman, Helms, need I go on? These elected officials are able to fool their electorate over and over again. Stupid people elect the stupid people the Rich have selected for them to vote for!

[Tom Payned]

They are also catering to their constituents, which are in the case of Hatch from Utah, are predominantly Mormon. (I'm okay with Mormons by the way)

Helms was a deep south bigot who preyed on fear of the black men taking our women, tax dollars, jobs, and if the south didn't rise again, they'd get the land too. Glad his kind is a dying breed, and he's beat them.

Bachman well, I just don't know how to rationalize that one other than it is really cold in Minnesota during November, and maybe the people in her congressional district get brain freeze waiting to vote?????

None of these people could win a nation wide election, especially after the reign of terror known as the Bush years.

[quindy]

ALL THE POLITICIANS WHO DO NOT SUPPORT HEALTH CARE FOR ALL SHOULD DECLINE THEIR PUBLICLY FINANCED HEALTH CARE, NELSON INCLUDED.

I am sick and tired reading about all these hypocrites who are having the best health care that is financed by the tax payers, yet they oppose any change for the rest of us. Don't they have any shame?

[Jesse rogers]

"If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it’s free.”

PJ O'Rourke

[apduncan1]

What does he know about health care? Is he a Doctor other than a Doctor on BS?

[Skepticat]

And conservative humorist writer O'Rourke's comment is based on what profound research exactly?

[Jesse rogers]

Wisconsin wanted to try universal health care, but stopped when they realized how much it would cost the state. Their version of socialized medicine would have cost an estimated $15.2 billion, or $3 billion more than they collected in all taxes.

Pennsylvania’s governor Ed Rendell ran as a health care reformer, promising to create a plan to insure Pennsylvania’s uninsured. But once in office, Gov. Rendell “concluded that such a move would be unaffordable, and perhaps politically unattainable, without serious efforts to control costs.”

California’s Congress rejected Gov. Schwarzenegger’s “universal” health-care plan out of concerns of its high costs.

Massachusetts is one state that has socialized medicine. It is re-learning a hard lesson:

[jmpurser]

A witty saying. Of course it would play better if the entire developed world hadn't proven it was dead wrong and the truth was actually the reverse.

[Jesse rogers]

Sure. Of course. Whatever you say. I believe you! No, seriously, I do.

[patricksmom]

Great point. Every other developed country has universal healthcare.

[mcartri]

There is no health care system in America. We have a health care insurance industry market place. Well, except for those socialist programs: Medicare & the VA. Who do you think is paying for the "free" health care those without insurance get now. Why pay 30% of your Blue-Cross premiums to get the company to deny your benefits. Public schools, the police, fire dept., the military, churches, etc. are all nonprofit. Why is health care not? The insurance companies exist to make a profit by allowing some of us to die in the richest country on earth. It's wrong!

[patricksmom]

Intelligent people know that healthcare, like freedom isn't free. Compassionate and intelligent people believe healthcare is a right and that we can find ways to pay for it.

[Steve MacGregor]

This is how we identify who to oust in the next election. Thanks.

[Sodbuster]

While that is true, there is one problem.

Nebraska.

I'm from Nebraska. If you look at who will potentially oppose Ben Nelson in the next election, it is scary.

I'm not trying to defend Nelson. I'm just looking at the political posturing of leading Republicans in this state. Remember - Dick Cheney grew up here.

[Bloggerrogr]

Cheney is from Wyoming. When he retires it will be in Wyoming where he can pal around with all his buds at Halliburton.

[mlaiuppa]

Shunning is good. There should be more of it.

It's worked for the Amish for centuries.

[apduncan1]

How about tar and feathers? It worked too.

[Haditup2here]

That is only a start. . . It would have been nice if the Bankruptcy (Home Foreclosure) Bill was signed. Anyway, the only way this will become truly effective (as you have stated) is if this is done consistently. If the lobbyists see that their efforts are thwarted by others in Congress, they may think again about doling out dollars for campaign donations.

However, I wouldn't hold my breath.

[hilary916]

LOL. Yeah, just ask Dwight Schrute.

[Graywolf48]

This is probably the only situation in this country where the EMPLOYEE and his family (Congress persona and Senator) have better health care coverage at little or no cost and the EMPLOYERS (average American citizens) have little, no or very costly insurance. Nelson is very selfish. He and his family have theirs and really are not interested in anyone else except the insurance companies that help pay his freight and keep his job. Nelson needs to go, but the irony is, even if he's voted out of office he'll still have a nice pension and health benefits.

[signwrite]

_ _ _ _ YOU Nelson!

[GoodFeathers]

Nelson is a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ !

[TokyoCalling]

Ben Nelson, on the take. Hopefully he will get voted out next cycle.

[GreatNews27]

I'm sure once the checks start flowing into Democratic coffers, Ben will have plenty of company.

[VPN]

I wouldn't be too sure about that, voters are watching and the Senate and House members know that this is one issue that won't go away and people won't take too kindly to getting hosed on it. This is could be a re-election nightmare for those Representatives that oppose or ignore the voters.

[mike42nola]

The only thing that will change with this system is that the government is going to decide who lives and dies instead of an insurance company.
Big Deal.

[apduncan1]

Indeed ... I'm taking names and writing my Senators (Rep) and Congressman (ditto) everyday.

[reno1190]

RETHUGS GOT IT ALL, NOTHING LEFT

[Ergon]

Canada, annex us please!

[Pquilson]

As the commercial says, "You are free to go."

[Never-The-Less]

So the right wants to succeed from the union and some on the left want another union all together, it seems to me the country is broken. No one except the rich are doing well and they are doing well by pitting the people against each other and not focusing on the real problem and that is corporate control of our government. I remember when Justice Roberts was before the senate for conformation and all the dems focused on his ideas on Roe V Wade, the problem is, Roberts could not give a crap about Roe v Wade, he is a corporate lackey. He will let corporations do as they will, destroy the environment, destroy competition, destroy unions... But Roe V Wade will be safe. They have succeeded in making America so preoccupied with wedge issues we forget about the things that will effect our daily lives, and we will all pay they price, we all ready are.

[JoeAlvord]

Not so. You have to buy into their system if you are not currently a citizen.

[judyc]

Canada's plan is not all it's cracked up to be.

[SangZe]

It's a lot more than we get in the U.S.

[apduncan1]

Really? How come their mortality rate is lower than ours?